death certificate

noun

: an official document that gives information about a person's death (such as when and how the death happened)

Examples of death certificate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Also known as sudden cardiac arrest, the condition was confirmed on her death certificate, which was obtained by People. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026

Her death certificate lists the cause as accidental, but her dad rejects that with every fiber of his being. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026

The official cause of death listed on the crew member’s death certificate, which was obtained by TMZ, states that Meadows died from drowning with probable hypothermia and submersion of his body in cold water. —Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026

To qualify, travelers are usually required to book directly through the airline and provide documentation, such as a death certificate, funeral home contact information or proof of relationship. —Layla Melendez, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026

Legal Definition

death certificate

noun

: a document setting forth information (as age, occupation, and place of birth) relating to a dead person and including a doctor's certification of the cause of death

Note: Death certificates are issued by a particular public official, as a city or town clerk. A death certificate is required to document a person's death for certain purposes, as to file an estate tax return or to probate an estate.